Students typically carry more than £1,300-worth of gadgets such as mobiles, laptops and iPods around with them, according to research from Endsleigh. If you’re one of them, it pays to make sure your possessions are protected.

Are you a student about to head off to university for the first time? Maybe you’re in your second year and moving out of halls and into a flat?

Whatever your student situation, money is likely to be tight. That means you’ll want to know your stuff is insured and you’ll be able to replace it if anything happens.

Home insurance may not be at the forefront of your mind if you’re just about to start the new term, but it’s really important. The National Union of Students reports that one in three undergraduates will become a victim of crime.

A recent study by student specialist insurer Endsleigh showed that undergraduates typically carry a third of their valuable possessions on their person when they head into university – totalling an average of more than £1,300.

If you don’t think that’s accurate, have a think about your mobile phone, MP3 player, digital camera and any sports kit you routinely carry. It soon adds up. Insurance is therefore a must-have, but what do you need to know and how can you keep the price down?

Could your parents’ insurance cover you?

Some students will find their parents’ home insurance policy protects them, or that it could be extended to include their student accommodation for just a small fee.

Your parents will probably have more inclusive cover than the average student home insurance policy, so it’s worth giving them a ring first to see if your possessions can be included.

Does your student hall of residence provide cover?

If you’re in halls, you might already have some contents cover in place. For example, Endsleigh insures 290,000 students automatically through their accommodation provider, so check with your university accommodation service to see if you’re covered.

You can top up that cover if you don’t think it’s adequate, but that’ll still be cheaper than buying a brand new policy.

Can you insure individual items?

Even if you’re sure that most of your belongings aren’t worth anything, you probably have at least one prized possession that you couldn’t manage without.

Maybe it’s a new laptop, perhaps you play a musical instrument, or maybe you couldn’t face leaving home without your prized Xbox.

Some insurers will allow you to name specific items on your policy and only pay to insure those, rather than everything you own.

This is a sensible way to protect your more expensive stuff without paying more than you need.

 

Can you share a policy?

A new policy by Endsleigh allows students sharing a flat to buy their cover together and receive a 25% discount.

But if you are all living in the same flat or house, you could also look at regular contents insurance policies and then just split the premium. That will give you greater choice and freedom when you’re looking for the best deal.

Bicycles

Cycling is a great way to get around your university town: it’s cheap, it’s green and it’s good for you.

But not all contents policies will insure bikes, so if you ride a bike, make sure your policy includes bicycle protection.

Catches

Be aware that your parental home insurance and some student policies may not protect you during the holidays. If you do plan on sticking around your student town after term, find out if your policy protects you.

Some policies will only cover your stuff if it’s locked in your room, so leaving it in the shared kitchen or sitting room will invalidate your cover. Many insurers will refuse to pay out if you’ve left a door or window open and that’s how a thief broke in.

Make sure you’re clear on exactly what your policy will and will now pay for so there are no nasty surprises when you do need to claim.

Serious tips for student safety

Of course, no amount of insurance can compensate for the distress of falling victim to criminals, or suffering an assault.

While your student days should be carefree, you should also give some thought to how safe you are and what steps you can do to protect yourself.

Here are our top safety tips for students:

  • Don’t leave valuables on display in your home, your car or on your person if you can help it
  • Be careful who you let into your student halls or block of flats, they may not necessarily live there
  • Never walk home alone after a night out – catch public transport home, ideally in a group
  • Only use licensed taxis and minicabs
  • Never leave your bag or any belongings unattended in a nightclub or bar
  • Don’t flash your cash or your gadgets unnecessarily, it could attract attention
  • Always lock your windows and doors when you head out
  • Keep your bag zipped up so as not to tempt opportunist thieves

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